Kettling won't stop me, says protest student suing police

A student suing the Met for false imprisonment after being "kettled" during tuition fee protests said today she would continue to go on demonstrations.

Rosie Bergonzi, 17, claims her human rights were infringed after apparently being rounded up while taking part in the Parliament Square protest and not released for nine hours.

Ms Bergonzi, a sixth-former from Brighton, said she was detained without food and water or access to lavatories. She also claims she was punched by a policeman.

The teenager today insisted the police's actions were unfair as she did not take part in or support any criminal damage. She said the prospect that she would be kettled seemed "ridiculous" to her but despite her experiences she insisted she would not be put off.

She said: "I will definitely continue to protest and would urge others not to be put off either. On the morning of the protest my mum joked that I should take an extra packet of crisps in case I was kettled but it seemed ridiculous. As I respect the police I was shocked to see myself treated and punished as a criminal for doing nothing other than attempt to show my views.

"The misbehaviour of a few should not lead to extreme punishment of the masses. I do not support those who were violent towards the police or property. Mindless destruction does not help highlight the issues, it only leads to public condemnation."

Ms Bergonzi said her parents were becoming increasingly concerned she would be stranded in London.

"The police should not be allowed to use scare tactics to put off other protesters," she added. "What happened to me and those around me was detainment, a punishment for protesting."

Another student, James Moulding, 18, is also suing the force after being kettled during the same demonstration in December and also claims he was assaulted by the police.

Miss Bergonzi's comments come after human rights group Liberty said senior officers focused too much on the potential use of kettling during the anti-cuts march through London last month. Liberty, which had 120 legal observers for the TUC march, said the tactic was "under near-constant consideration".

The Met has said it is to appeal against a High Court decision declaring that kettling tactics used during the G20 protests in central London two years ago were unlawful.

A spokesman said: "The Metropolitan Police Service is aware of a claim lodged in the High Court by Rosie Bergonzi and James Moulding. The case has been stayed until July 19 to allow the MPS to look into the circumstances of the allegations."